Weeks after he was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of a private hospital in Gurugram for cardiac issues, renowned fashion designer Rohit Balsaid he is healing.
The 62-year-old is under the supervision of a team led by cardiologist Dr Praveen Chandra at the Medanta Hospital.
In an Instagram post, Bal said the support from friends and family has been a guiding light for him during these testing times.
"Dear friends, family, and supporters, I am deeply touched by your outpouring of love and prayers during my illness. Your support has been a beacon of hope and strength, helping me on my journey to recovery. As I heal, I am reminded of the resilience of our bond and our shared dreams," the Srinagar-born designer wrote on Tuesday.
Bal, who founded the eponymous fashion label, Rohit Bal, said the brand remains "strong".
"... and I assure you, the show must go on. Your faith in our vision is the driving force behind its continued success. Thank you for being my light in these challenging times. Let's keep moving forward with hope and courage," he concluded the statement.
Cinema personalities like Arjun Rampal and Nafisa Ali commented on Bal's post wishing him speedy recovery.
"You will be back stronger than ever. Godspeed," Rampal wrote.
"An icon and a great example of human spirit. Big hug and more strength to you," said Ali.
Bal, regarded as a trendsetter in Indian fashion with designs that challenged norms, is known for seamlessly blending traditional aesthetics with contemporary flair. He is also credited for marrying the cultural heritage of India with global fashion trends.
He has been away from the fashion world for the last few years due to health issues.
Before Quentin Tarantino became a household name with Reservoir Dogs, he was just another movie buff absorbing everything he could from his favourite directors. One name that stood out to him early on was Stanley Kubrick, especially for his lesser-known 1956 film The Killing, a movie that left a deeper mark on Tarantino’s debut than most fans realise.
Kubrick’s The Killing wasn’t a major blockbuster in its time, but it marked a shift in how crime stories were told. Adapted from Lionel White’s novel Clean Break, the film follows a racetrack heist through a fractured timeline, showing the same event from multiple angles. It wasn’t just about what happened, but how it was told. That structure, jumping back and forth in time, switching viewpoints, was rare in Hollywood then and made the story feel more intense and unpredictable.
When Reservoir Dogs came out in 1992, it felt like something fresh: strong dialogue, tension-filled scenes, and a plot that never actually shows the heist it’s centred around. But behind the style was a familiar structure. Like The Killing, Reservoir Dogs plays with time, shows events from different perspectives, and leans on the characters' personal motives to drive tension.
Tarantino has openly admitted the influence. “I didn’t try to copy The Killing, but I saw Reservoir Dogs as my version of that kind of film,” he told The Seattle Times. At the Cannes premiere of Reservoir Dogs, he even called The Killing his favourite heist film.
Both films avoid slick action in favour of character-driven suspense. Kubrick’s crew in The Killing are flawed and desperate, and their downfall feels inevitable. Tarantino’s gang is no different; paranoia, betrayal, and ego tear them apart.
Kubrick’s use of non-linear storytelling didn’t just shape one movie; it laid a foundation. Tarantino used that structure not only in Reservoir Dogs but continued it in Pulp Fiction and beyond. And in doing so, he helped bring that old-school Kubrick trick into modern indie cinema.
Tarantino may have built his own path, but The Killing was the map he started with. It certainly inspired him, but more than that, it helped him find his rhythm as a filmmaker.
Some celebrity confessions make you love them more. Others make you reconsider watching their films during dinner. The latter was the case recently when veteran actor Paresh Rawal made a murky admission that left fans speechless.
Known for his impeccable comic timing and thunderous screen presence, the much-respected star undid decades of admiration by revealing that he willingly drank his own urine for a prolonged period – and is proud of it.
Yes, you read that right. This was not a survival hack or an unfortunate accident. Rawal said he followed the practice for weeks. The revelation came while recounting a serious knee injury he sustained during the filming of Ghatak. According to the actor, late action director Veeru Devgan recommended he drink the first urine of the day upon waking – something he claimed all fighters did for quicker healing. Taking the advice of Ajay Devgn’s father, Rawal followed through for 15 days, sipping it like “an enjoyable alcoholic beverage”. Rather than question whether the injury was truly serious, he insisted it miraculously helped – and said it “worked like magic”. That prompted some to speculate he might have continued the habit ever since.
While honesty is usually admirable, this is perhaps one revelation that should have remained buried, like a naughty person’s internet browser history. Social media users wasted no time unleashing a storm of memes, jokes and mockery. One user even suggested that the forthcoming Phir Hera Pheri sequel should be retitled Pee Hera Pheri.
Medical experts were quick to refute any health benefits. Doctors urged people not to follow Rawal’s example, warning that urine contains waste products and could cause infections rather than healing. They advised sticking to prescribed medication instead of unconventional – and unsanitary – practices.
Unbelievably, Rawal is not alone in this. Akshay Kumar once claimed to be drinking cow urine daily. During the Covid pandemic, certain right-wing politicians promoted similar ideas, suggesting cow urine could cure coronavirus. (Other stars may have disturbing remedies of their own – thankfully, they have kept them hidden.)
Perhaps Rawal thought he was sharing a quirky tale from his early days that would boost fan admiration. But now, many might never look at him the same way. The next time he delivers a line, including fellow cast members, some might wonder, “did he gargle before this take?” (If you are finding this out for the first time, apologies. Spare a thought for those who have had to kiss him.)
The entire episode is a reminder: celebrities should think twice before making dark confessions like this.
Also, while Ajay Devgn is known for his mischievous pranks dating back to the early ’90s, one has to ask – did his strict father Veeru pull off the ultimate one with this bizarre suggestion? (And just in case it needs repeating – the NHS absolutely does not, under any circumstances, recommend drinking your own wee.)
Inspired by a love of Bollywood films and vibrant Punjabi music, Cherelena creates tracks that fuse diverse influences. With multiple singles and an album already to her name, the multilingual singer-songwriter from Holland recently added to her musical journey with the release of Cocaine.
Eastern Eye asked the exciting talent to share 10 songs she loves – and why they mean so much to her.
Ek Baar Dekh Liye by Kalpana Gandharva: Composed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali for the Netflix series Heeramandi, this song is beautifully sung. The heartfelt lyrics portray a woman surrendering completely to the unknown, embracing what life brings. She follows her heart with unwavering trust – a sentiment that is so profound and relatable.
Pardesi by Cherelena ft Apache Indian: One of the most cherished moments of my life was creating my own song with Apache Indian. It felt like a dream come true to collaborate with such a legendary artist. The track is about a wife longing for her husband’s return, expressing how incomplete and unmotivated she feels without him.
Bewafa by Imran Khan: This powerful song touches on the complexities of relationships – the arguments, the fear of betrayal. Sometimes, even without infidelity, the fear of the truth surfacing can lead you to say things you do not mean. It reflects the emotions and vulnerabilities that come with navigating trust, love and heartache.
Jhoomo Re by Kailash Kher: This deeply moving song carries a profound and uplifting message. It beautifully conveys that, at the core, everything is one energy – and that the divine you worship ultimately resides within yourself. It serves as a gentle reminder to treat the world with kindness and compassion, and to never break anyone’s heart.
Untouchable by Tegi Pannu: This track’s vibe and flow are incredible. It is not about the lyrics – it is about the energy, rhythm and the way it makes you feel. A perfect example of how music transcends language. You do not need to understand the words to connect with it – you either feel it, or you do not. And I definitely feel it.
Gallan Goodiyan from Dil Dhadakne Do: I have loved dancing since I was two years old. Although I stay active through sports, dancing is what truly excites me – it is my happy place. Songs like this make me feel as though I am stepping into a vibrant Bollywood scene, filling my life with energy and joy.
Cocaine by Cherelena ft Raja: This hauntingly beautiful song about love and loss captures the heartbreaking journey of a couple deeply in love but torn apart by addiction. He is consumed by his dependence on cocaine, while she is trapped in an endless struggle to save him. Based on a true story, the song delivers a powerful message: do not let drugs take control – they destroy far more than you realise.
Yeh Dil Tum Bin Kahin Lagta Nahin from Izzat: This timeless Bollywood song, sung by legends Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi, continues to inspire me. I still take singing lessons and dedicate time to improving my craft. When it comes to mastering vocal technique, Lata didi’s songs are an unmatched treasure trove. Her signature sweetness, flawless delivery and artistry set a benchmark that is almost impossible to reach.
Bewajah Mein Dil Tera Toda by Cherelena: I wrote this song from a deeply personal place, during a time when my heart had been broken more than once. I felt a part of me was fading, and turned to songwriting as a way to process those emotions. This track reflects the journey of understanding who I became during those painful moments – and why.
Flow With Me by Cherelena: I wrote this song during a time when I was perfectly in sync with someone, and everything just clicked. I wanted to hold on to that feeling – to stay in the flow without overthinking or complicating it, knowing that sometimes taking things further can bring its own set of challenges.
Instagram: @cherelenaofficial
Keep ReadingShow less
Justin Bieber responds to viral rumours linking him to Diddy abuse case
Justin Bieber has addressed the growing chatter online that he may have been a victim of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. The rumours, which picked up steam as Diddy faces serious sex trafficking charges in New York, were put to rest by a statement from Bieber’s camp.
A spokesperson for Bieber clarified: “Justin was not a victim. Others were hurt, and it’s important we stay focused on them.” The message came after old clips of a young Bieber with Combs began circulating again, prompting questions about the nature of their relationship when Bieber was a teenager.
Bieber’s team issues statement denying abuse and backing real victimsGetty Images
The resurfaced videos include moments from around 2009 and 2011, when Bieber was still new to the industry. In one, Diddy promised Bieber a luxury car when he turned 16. In another, he vaguely mentioned spending 48 hours together without revealing what they were doing, language that some online found troubling. However, sources close to Bieber insist these moments were part of a PR act and that he never experienced any inappropriate behaviour from Combs.
Bieber was known to be friendly with Diddy’s sons, Quincy and Justin Combs, and crossed paths with the rapper at public events during the early years of his career. But insiders stress there was no private relationship beyond that.
Fans revisit troubling footage of Bieber and Diddy from 2009 amid the case Getty Images
The speculation around Bieber came amid explosive testimony in court from Diddy’s former partner, singer Cassie Ventura, who accused him of rape, abuse, and coercing her into sex acts with others during drug-fuelled parties known as “freak offs.” The prosecution alleges Combs used fame and fear to manipulate women over a 20-year span. He has pleaded not guilty and denies all claims.
While some fans had pointed to Bieber’s recent emotional social media activity as cause for concern, those close to him say it is unrelated to Combs. They describe Bieber as focused on his family and well-being, and urge that attention remain on the ongoing trial and those directly affected.
Diddy faces mounting allegations as old clips with Bieber draw backlashGetty Images
For now, Bieber has made it clear: whatever his past association with Diddy, he was not among the victims. His statement can be taken as both a clear denial and a reminder to centre the conversation on the people who truly suffered.
Keep ReadingShow less
Bally Sagoo reflects on his decades-long journey shaping British Asian music.
He may be living the dream in Bali these days, but Bally Sagoo remains proudly British at heart.
During a recent visit to his home city of Birmingham, the trailblazing music producer sat down for a wide-ranging interview with Eastern Eye that was thoughtful, nostalgic and inspirational.
From defining British Asian culture to popularising fusion music, crossing cultural frontiers and delivering blockbuster hits, the game-changer inspired an entire generation with his achievements. Since starting in the late 1980s, he has collaborated with iconic artists and created a blueprint for commercial fusion music that still influences talent around the world.
In the free-flowing conversation, he reflected on his genre-defying journey, the lasting legacy of his biggest tracks, why Top of the Pops was a dream come true, and what it was really like to collaborate with legends such as Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Amitabh Bachchan. He also opened up about life in Bali, his timeless music – and how he is still finding inspiration after decades of success.
Bally Sagoo
You still look young, while the rest of us are ageing. What’s your secret? (Laughs) I do not know, Asjad. I think it is just living a good life in southeast Asia, eating well and being happy.
How did you end up in Bali? Well, I have been going to southeast Asia for quite some time and love that part of the world. I am travelling a lot, finding myself – and love living out there in Bali. I am having a great time. I love my seafood, I love being near the sea. Who would not want to live there?
How would you sum up your spectacular music journey? It has been amazing. I am so grateful to have fans around the world who have supported me for so long. It is a blessing to have touched so many people with my tracks. I have been doing this my whole life – nearly four decades now. My first records came out in the late 1980s. I have been put on this planet to do this. This is my life. Music is my life.
How much does it mean to you that your tracks from decades ago still sound so fresh? That means everything. The amount of people I meet globally – even in remote places like small islands – say the same thing. They say it sounds fresh. Magic Touch was nearly 35 years ago. Gur Nalon Ishq Mitha was 1991. Aaja Nachle was 1998. Even when I look back, I think, how many years ago was that? But when I listen to them, they really do sound quite current – and I am proud of that.
Is there one song that’s closest to your heart? It is impossible to choose – it is like picking a family member or child. There are so many. Ones that stand out include Dil Cheez, Aaja Nachle and Chura Liya. Then Gur Nalon Ishq Mitha – and many more! So, it is difficult to pick one.
Albums by him
You broke ground for a generation of artists. How does that feel? It is great that I was able to open doors and break barriers. Music was something I was doing as a teenager at school growing up in Birmingham. It has not been easy. One thing that really upsets me is when people ask, how does it feel to have made it? I am like, there is no such thing. I am still on this journey. Constantly moving – and that is also something people can learn from.
Tell us more about that. I put years into my music – even months into just one song. There is so much that goes into it, and some people do not realise. Today, people are in a rush – they want things instantly. That is when it does not work. Great music stands the test of time – and that takes hard work. That is why people hear all the little details in my tracks.
You helped make Birmingham the commercial capital of South Asian music – and remain a proud Brummie despite travelling the globe. Birmingham has always been a big melting pot. It is an important part of the world that broke music and created new styles. I am living proof – I started here. I was born in India but came here when I was six months old, so I have been raised in Birmingham my entire life. All my influences came from here.
You helped put the music – and vibrant city – on the global map. Not just Birmingham, but the UK in general. We should be proud that we catapulted our Asian roots – whether Indian, Pakistani or otherwise – to the world stage. From Sufi to bhangra, we changed the whole scene. And we did it without social media. We had to physically go out and push our music – there was no internet to help us.
Does it sadden you that later generations did not make full use of the platform pioneers like you created – and that other countries overtook us? That is part of moving forward. The world woke up when they heard our music and wanted to be part of it. More youngsters became proud of their culture and thought, let us make music that reflects the best of both worlds. There is now great music coming from all over – western countries, India, Pakistan. Social media has helped that. But it all started with us in the UK – and we should be proud of that.
You have had many highlights. What was the most memorable? There is not just one. Touring with Michael Jackson, of course. But Top of the Pops was the icing on the cake – because I grew up watching it. I told my parents I would be on there one day. (Laughs) They would smack me and tell me to get back to studying. No one thought it would happen. That was a breakthrough moment. Working with superstars like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was also unforgettable.
What made the late qawwali legend Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan so special? He was the best vocalist I ever worked with. Everything was special about him. He had an aura. His voice was unbelievable. He could record a track in one take. There were no effects or digital tricks – unlike a lot of singers today. That is why Magic Touch will always be special. I recorded it in 1991 – very early in my career.
Rising From The East and Magic Touch
You were thrown in at the deep end but produced one of the greatest albums of all time. Did you expect that impact? I thought it would be great for the UK scene – but I had no idea it would be so popular worldwide, especially in India and Pakistan. Bollywood went ballistic when they heard it. They all wanted to work with Nusrat – and with this sound.
You also made a superhit album with Amitabh Bachchan – one that younger fans may not know about. Yes – he approached me to do an album. This was in 1996. I cheekily said, come and record it in my Birmingham studio – and he did. We made Aby Baby here. He was not the best vocalist, but he was a legend and the number one movie star. It was his idea to include his father’s poetry. I wanted to do Kabhi Kabhie – one of my favourites.
Do you have any unfulfilled ambitions? I still have dreams like anyone else. I am more laidback now – I do not need to race anyone or prove anything. I am enjoying the journey and am grateful for where I am. I meet people of all ages – from young listeners who discovered my music long after it was made, to those who grew up with it. I have always made different styles of music.
That variety has defined your music. I always made music for all kinds of people. I never wanted to just stick to bhangra because it was popular. I tried to make something for every listener. (Laughs) I never rinsed the same beat like some others. Every album had something different – and that continues.
What does music mean to you today? What it has always meant – it is my life. I love listening to music from around the world. Music has no language or barrier – it should be for everyone. That is what I believe.
What inspires you creatively? The same as always – listening carefully to what is happening globally. Living abroad now, I come across instruments I have never heard before – and my first thought is, how can I get that sound into my studio? I am exploring Japanese, Korean, Chinese instruments – some I cannot even pronounce. I love fusing different musicians and singers. I have always done that.